Snyder's High Compression Head Question

LeroyM

LeroyM

Senior Member
I'm running a 5.5:1 Snyder's high compression head on a Model B motor. I'm using a Model B head gasket but this has been causing me problems with the two center steam holes letting water down into the oil. I'm going to pull the head and plug the two steam holes soon. My question is should I just run the Model A head gasket or the Model B head gasket? Also should I replace the stud bolts again even though I just put new ones in a year ago when I put the new head and gasket on?

One more thing, I'm planning on driving a 1/4 rod about 1/2 long with some locktite on it into the two steam holes and let them dry for a few days to harden up. I know others have tapped and screwed in a bolt for theses two holes but I also talked to a guy and he did the same thing I plan on doing and he says it worked fine. Does anyone see a problem with this?

Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks.
 
LeroyM said:
. . . I'm planning on driving a 1/4 rod about 1/2 long with some locktite on it into the two steam holes and let them dry for a few days to harden up. I know others have tapped and screwed in a bolt for theses two holes but I also talked to a guy and he did the same thing I plan on doing and he says it worked fine. Does anyone see a problem with this?

Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks.
Click to expand...

I wouldn't trust it in the long run to not leak, nor would I want to hammer on that thin area of the block. I would only trust a tapered pipe thread plug. If the holes are not too corroded, use 1/8 npt (about 5/16" O.D.), if necessary use 1/4 npt (about 3/8" O.D.). I would use malleable iron pipe plugs with loctite red, not steel plugs. Don't torque them too tight, you do not want to start a crack.
 
I was testing another Model B block I had today for the fit and the 1/4 rod goes in with a slight tap of a hammer but is a snug fit unless you pull it out with a pair of pliers. The locktite I have is rated for 400 degrees.

Any thoughts on which gasket?
 
LeroyM said:
I was testing another Model B block I had today for the fit and the 1/4 rod goes in with a slight tap of a hammer but is a snug fit unless you pull it out with a pair of pliers. The locktite I have is rated for 400 degrees.

Any thoughts on which gasket?
Click to expand...

If you can pull it out with pliers, it's not NEARLY tight enough.

LocTite 620 or 640 Cylindrical Assembly Retaining Compound are good for over 500 degrees. That is still nowhere near enough to keep a straight bit of rod in the hole.

Refer back to Mike K's post above, and use an "A" gasket.

Joe
 
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1/16 pipe tap is perfect It calls for .246 drill so you can just tap it and plug it use a little pipe or sleeve retaining locite and grind flush done.
 
Snyder's High Compression Head & Suggested Gasket

>>>>>>>>>>>CORRECTION>>>>>>>>CORRECTION>>>>>>>>>>>

The following info was posted with the misunderstanding the engine was an "A" block. As Leroy points out in a following post...this information would not be correct for a "B" block.

I copied the information below from Snyder's online parts information: They suggest using the "B" version with their 5.5 : 1 head.
Good Day!
Dave in MN

A6051M-8504.jpg
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Premium Head Gasket

  • Tired of coolant weaping around the head! This unique gasket has a solid steel core sandwiched by heavy-duty high density gasket material coated with silicone. Additional high temperature silicone bands surround all water passages. Install with no additional sealants! The model 1928-31 model A version is recommended for use with all stock heads. The 1932-34 model B version is recommended with all 1932-34 stock heads as well as 1928-31 5.5:1 Snyder brand high compression heads.Neither of these gaskets will work with the Brumfield brand high compression head. 
    Part NumberSpecificsPrice A-6051-M'A' version
    1928-31$27.95 / ea. B-6051-M'B' version
    1932-34$25.95 / ea.
 
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I called Snyder's this morning and talked to Don and told him what I was going to do. He said to use the "A" gasket.

Where can I find theses tapered threaded iron pipe plugs? Would Lowe's or Ace's hardware have them or would I need to go to a machine shop?
 
I went looking around while I was out at lunch and I went to a few places, no one had what I was looking for. I went to Lowe's and got two packs of Socket Head Set Screws.

1/4-20 x 5/16

5/16-18 x 5/16

Do you think theses will work?
 
I offered incorrect advice...Please disregard my earlier post!

LeroyM said:
I called Snyder's this morning and talked to Don and told him what I was going to do. He said to use the "A" gasket.

Leroy, Thanks for commenting on what Don @ Snyder's said to use. I went back to your original question and note that you have a "B" block. I was offering the info based on my error of thinking it was an "A" block which is what their website would be advising for. I guess I can't read! Sorry.
I have quoted their website before for the same question a couple months ago...but it was for an "A" engine.
Again, thanks for the follow to my post correcting the info!
ps: I have been using the B silicone gasket on their 5.5:1 heads for "A" engines based on the info...I have not had any problems. I have had very good results with the silicone gasket. I do re-torque the head a few times extra over other gaskets.
Good Day!
Dave in MN
Click to expand...
 
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yes tap & plug using a sealer like locktite (red/green) or such . use the head gasket snyder sent you with the head ................. steve
 
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